Lower Eyelid Surgery (Lower Blepharoplasty)

After the Lower Eyelid Procedure

The procedure itself will take about 1 to 1.5 hours but may take longer if other procedures are also being done.

AFTER SURGERY

Listen to your body. If you are tired, rest. Discomfort during recovery is often a sign of overexertion.
Rest and sleep in a reclined position at approximately 45 degrees. Use ice packs or packages of frozen finely broken-up peas or corn constantly for at least the first 3 days, 15 minutes on 15 minutes off. Do not put ice directly onto skin because you will have decreased sensitivity.
Avoid direct exposure of the incision to sunlight for at least 6 weeks, apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) to the area of the incision if you will be in the sun for extended periods of time.
Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
Do not use aspirin-containing products for at least 1 week. You may take Tylenol or pain medication as prescribed.
Do not apply any cosmetics for the first 5 days. The day after surgery start applying hydrocortisone 1% to swollen area for 1 week twice a day.
Do not put any ointments or creams on incision lines unless instructed by Dr. Cruise. You should start applying ScarLess® on your incisions seven days after surgery. ScarLess® is a prescription-strength cream with vitamin E, silicone and hydrocortisone to help minimize redness and elevation of the scars. You can purchase ScarLess® at our office.
Do not do any strenuous aerobic activity for 4 weeks after surgery.

WHAT TO EXPECT AS YOU RECOVER

Immediately after surgery, some patients feel groggy or nauseous. These feelings normally subside by the next day.
Post-surgical swelling may temporarily cause the look of unevenness, skin changes, hard spots, and ridges.
Most bruising will fade after the second week. After the first week, much of the remaining discoloration can be concealed with a cream-based cosmetic.
Most stitches will dissolve within 7 days.
Pink scars will eventually fade to an unnoticeable color.
Your healing incision lines may itch a little. Avoid scratching them. Apply hydrocortisone.
Remember not to put ice or anything hot directly onto skin because you may have decreased awareness of temperature damage.

WHEN TO CALL US

Post surgical complications are rare and are often easily solved by the doctor. Call us if you experience any of the following: a temperature of 101 or higher, increased local redness or warmth, chest pain, shortness of breath, leg swelling, calf pain or if you simply feel that something might be wrong. Please call the office@ 949-644-4808 within regular business hours, or page Dr. Cruise after business hours @ 714-304-8050.

POST-OP VISITS AND CARE SUMMARY

Concern	Instructions

Fluid Collection	The evening after surgery it is important to check to see if one eye is significantly firmer and more swollen than the other. This might represent a blood collection.
Constipation	If you are constipated at day 2, stop taking Vicodin or Darvocet. Walk, drink a lot of fluids, and consider taking a laxative (Ex-lax or Correctol).
Fever	Make sure to cough and take deep breaths as fever is usually in the lungs for the first 3 days after surgery.
Activity	You can take a cool shower the day after. Make sure you have someone helping you. Apply generous amounts of both shampoo and conditioner. Gently wash the entire face with soap and water. Do not try to remove all blood with the first washing. Reapply the garment after shower. Walk every hour while awake for the first day and then every 2 hours thereafter. Sleep at a 45-degree angle for the first 5 nights. If exercise hurts, don't do it. Wait for your body to tell you what you can do. You can start exercising at about 4 weeks.
Wound Care	Keep surgical area clean and dry at all times. Start applying ScarLess® at one week

Lower Blepharoplasty Cosmetic Surgery Information Resource for Southern California including Newport Beach, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Beverly Hills.